Just to put my 2 cents in here... I am fairly new to this community as well. In fact, new to lasers! This forum is my 'home town'. First, welcome to LPF. I have found out that there is a wealth of knowledge in the threads here. I'll bet everything has been covered several times over! But the best part, is how helpful people are. There are a certain few, who are exceptionally knowledgeable. Hemlock Mike is one of them. (IMO) I like how great it is to learn how to build! I have bought several high powered lasers. Spent an arm and a leg too! But there is something about building one! My favorite ones, are the ones that I built myself! Of course, I couldn't have done it without the help that I have received right here on this great forum... Speaking of new to the forum, there are some new developments in building lasers. And it sure feels good to be right in the middle of the Blu-Ray Burner explosion! Awesome...
Jay